Uses
Bethanechol is used to relieve difficulties in urinating caused by surgery, drugs, or other factors.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Side Effects Of Bethanechol
Bethanechol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- dizziness
- sweating or flushing
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- shortness of breath
- fainting
- slow heart rate (pulse less than 50 beats per minute)
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking bethanechol:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to bethanechol or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially procainamide (Pronestyl), quinidine (Quinaglute), medications for colds or nasal congestion, and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, a bladder infection, epilepsy, high blood pressure, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, an overactive thyroid gland, or ulcers.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking bethanechol, call your doctor.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
Dosage Of Bethanechol
Bethanechol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Bethanechol usually is taken two to four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take bethanechol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Bethanechol usually is taken at evenly spaced intervals during the day.
Take this medication on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) to prevent stomach upset.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription of bethanechol.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
